This position is located in the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program within GEC. Locations: Columbia and Florence. The Rehabilitation Therapist utilizes knowledge, experience, and expertise to promote efficiency, and improved patient care, within the HBPC Program. Planning, coordinating, exercising professional judgment, initiating and implementing administrative and clinical decisions are integral components of this position.

Duties

Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Assures that a high degree of quality patient care is provided. Evaluates referred patients in their home for safety and for needed equipment to assist the patient to remain in a home setting. Independently exercises creativity in solving problems without direct supervisory guidance to meet the varying needs of the patients. Assists with assessment of the veteran's functional status and provides evaluation of the veteran's home for needed structural modifications to make the home environment safe and accessible. Assists the HBPC staff in establishing a therapeutic program for the veteran and caregiver to maintain or enhance function or retard deterioration in the veteran's functional status. Exercises independent professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex and frequent changes in treatment objectives. Treats patients referred by care providers using techniques in therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, gait training, functional training (activities of daily living). Performs various tests such as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and/or balance testing. Maintains accurate patient records (periodic progress, treatment plan). Compiles statistical data regarding patient's visits, number of treatments, use of modalities and procedures for treatment on a daily/monthly basis. Submits supporting documentation for reports as requested (e.g., SERP, JCAHO, Management Briefing, Falls report). Inspects and tests equipment for good operating condition. Justifies need for new equipment and requests repairs through the appropriate channels. Follows infection control and safety procedures. Acts as a liaison between Prosthetics Department as well as Rehab Department and HBPC. Conducts exercise program to promote wellness and improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Attends in-service educational programs. Leads treatment teams in review of outcomes data and special reports and assists in initiating action for improvement of team processes and specific care activities. Participates in quality assurance plans. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 0800-1630 Telework: 6 plus days a week Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 544-53626F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: The authority to set requirements is provided by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(14). a. Citizenship. [Be a] citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) b. Education and/or Experience. (1) The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: (a) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR (b) Bachelor's Degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR, (c) Master's Degree or higher in Occupational Therapy. (2) Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. [c. Foreign Graduates. Graduates] of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix. [d. Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.] [e. State Licensure. Candidates must possess] a full, current, and unrestricted state license, to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations GS-12: 1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the [GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.] (2) Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the [experience above, the candidate] must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: [(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. (b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. (c) Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of patients. ( d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). (e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.] References: VA Handbook 5005/127 PART II APPENDIX G14The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The physical demands required in this position include driving a vehicle to patients' residents in various weather conditions; walking to and from vehicle in various weather conditions; climbing stairs; lifting medical bag and equipment (less than 20 lbs); stooping, kneeling, crouching, or reaching to examine patient or home environment; making phone calls and typing on computer.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript (displaying a conferred date) must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Columbia VA Health Care System 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209 US
• Name: Greta Kirby
• Email: [email protected]